Teoria e roleve tematike dhe probleme që lidhen me të në gjuhën shqipe
Thematic roles of adjunct in Albanian language

Summary/Abstract: This paper deals with Adverbial Object and PP distinction in Albanian language based in theta theory. First, we outlined valency and theta theory as the basic principles or our approach. In the second part of the article we proceed with practical analysis of the problem. We showed that instrumental PP-s headed by with can occur as Adjuncts with most of the phrasal verbs, but as Complements with phrasal verbs like pres, copëtoj, ndaj (cut, chop, separate) etc. In any case, instrumental PPs is always Adverbials in Albanian language and not Prepositional Objects. Agent and causative PPs headed by nga (by) in passive structures behave as if they are Adjuncts and not Prepositional Objects. PP-s headed by nga (from) attached to phrasal verbs like kap, mbërthej, mbaj, tërheq, pickoj (grab, hold, drag, pinch) etc. have been proved place adverbials and not prepositional objects based on complement adjunct distinction. We opposed the traditional theory that PP-s headed by te (at) followed by a noun or personal pronoun denoting a human are object PP-s. Setting convincing criteria, we showed that they are adverbials of place. Motivation PPs acts as Adverbials. Benefit and harm PP-s are assigned the experiencer thematic role, thus they are prepositional objects in Albanian. Restriction PP-s functions as Adverbials or Objects. Accompaniment PPs act as objects as they receive the patient thematic role from the verb. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of studying the syntactic structure of Albanian verbs and the thematic roles they assign to their PPs. This will help avoid the wrong interpretation of cause, location, source and goal, and some other PPs as prepositional objects.

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